United Debuts Automated Screening Lanes in Newark

Terminal C security lanes become the first exclusively autonomous lanes in America.

Travelers passing through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) aboard United Airlines will soon have a new experience to look forward to: 17 automated security lanes, including those dedicated to flyers with TSA PreCheck. In a post on their website, United announced the opening of the new security lanes at Terminal C.

Through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the launch at EWR is the first security checkpoint to fully utilize all automated security stations. Ticketed flyers will enter the automated area at one of three stations, with self-refilling security bin areas underneath the conveyor belt. From there, luggage and personal items will be screened through an x-ray machine fed by an automated conveyor. Cleared items will be allowed to continue down the conveyor, while items set for additional screening will be automatically directed to another aisle for inspection by a TSA agent.

The lanes at EWR’s Terminal C will feature dedicated lanes for regular passengers, as well as those who qualify for TSA PreCheck. TSA agents who check ID cards and tickets will direct flyers to the appropriate lane.

“We pursue relevant innovation in everything that we do, on the ground and in the air,” Greg Hart, executive vice president and chief operations officer of United, said in a press release. “The opening of our fully redesigned, state-of-the-art checkpoint in Newark – New York’s premier trans-Atlantic gateway – continues our commitment to use the latest technology to improve the airport experience for our customers.”

The launch at EWR is the first planned for United and the TSA. The airline plans to launch additional automated checkpoints at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

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